Callum Scott Howells Shines as Queer Victorian Aristocrat in Madfabulous

Callum Scott Howells stars in a new drama called Madfabulous. It tells the true story of Henry Paget, the 5th Marquess of Anglesey. Henry was a real person who lived in the late 1800s.

Many people do not know his story. Henry spent all of his family's money on theatre and parties. He wore beautiful and unusual costumes on stage. Sometimes he dressed in ways that broke gender rules. One famous look was a delicate veil he wore as a butterfly dancer.

Howells is well known for playing Colin in It's a Sin. That was a TV drama by Russell T Davies in 2021. In that show, Howells played a quiet and shy character. Now he plays someone very different. His new character is bold, loud, and flamboyant.

The film was written by Lisa Baker and directed by Celyn Jones. Together, they bring this forgotten queer history back to life. The tone is fun and full of energy. It does not take itself too seriously.

Henry Paget caused real scandal in Victorian times. He challenged what people thought about gender and performance. He used his wealth and position to create art that was ahead of its time. His story was later ignored or forgotten by history.

Madfabulous helps correct that. It shows how queer people existed and expressed themselves even in very conservative times. Henry did not hide who he was. He celebrated it loudly and creatively.

Howells gives a strong and entertaining performance. He wears a moustache that looks similar to the famous writer Proust. He plays Henry as sensitive but also joyful and theatrical.

The drama is a reminder that queer history is rich and long. Stories like Henry's deserve to be told and remembered. Madfabulous does that with humour, heart, and style.